Blistering in the paint layer
Blisters or bubbles under the paint layer occur when moisture or gases have nowhere to go and push the paint upward. It's a clear signal that something is wrong with the substrate or the type of paint used, and it deserves more than simply flattening the blisters again.

Cause
The most common causes are moisture in the wood that cannot escape because of a non-vapor-permeable paint layer, painting onto a damp substrate, or painting in full sun, which causes solvents to evaporate too quickly.
How to recognise it
- Bumps or blisters under an otherwise intact paint layer
- Blisters that burst open and leave a crater-like pattern
- Often concentrated on sun-facing sides or moisture-sensitive spots
What's the risk?
- Burst blisters leave the substrate unprotected
- Moisture trapped behind the paint can cause wood rot
- The problem spreads if the underlying cause is not addressed
The solution
We remove the affected paint completely, let the substrate dry properly and repair any wood damage before building the system back up.
We choose a paint system and working method suited to the moisture content and the vapor permeability the substrate needs.
When painting is enough
For limited, superficial blistering on an otherwise sound substrate, local repair and repainting is enough.
When repair is needed
If the substrate feels damp or the wood underneath is affected, drying and repair is needed first before repainting.
How Painting Company solves it
- Identifying the moisture source or cause
- Removing the affected paint layer
- Drying and repairing the substrate
- Building up a suitable, vapor-permeable paint system
Preventing blistering in the paint layer: practical maintenance
The best way to prevent blistering in the paint layer is to regularly check the spots where the problem most often starts, and fix small defects straight away instead of waiting. The most common causes are moisture in the wood that cannot escape because of a non-vapor-permeable paint layer, painting onto a damp substrate, or painting in full sun, which causes solvents to evaporate too quickly.
A fixed maintenance cycle — for example periodically touching up vulnerable spots such as sealant joints, corners and sills — is often cheaper than waiting until a problem shows up in full. Not sure whether your situation needs attention? A free, no-obligation inspection gives you clarity.
Why choose Painting Company
Painting Company has now completed over 1374 projects and serves more than 261 VvE's, with a team of 14+ permanent painters and an average Google rating of 4.9. With blistering in the paint layer, it's not just about the visible paint layer but also the structural repair underneath — we have daily experience with exactly that.
As part of CrumBouw and GoedkoopSteigerHuren.nl, we can combine this with exterior painting and, if the situation calls for it, scaffolding — all through a single point of contact. Request a free, no-obligation quote, and we'll think it through with you.
Frequently asked questions about blistering in the paint layer
Can I just flatten the blisters and paint over them?
No. There is moisture or a disturbed substrate under the blisters; that must be resolved first, otherwise the problem will return.
Does blistering occur more often on certain facades?
Yes, especially on sun-facing sides and on woodwork painted with a non-vapor-permeable paint over a still-damp substrate.
Can I fix blistering in the paint layer myself, or is this a job for a professional?
Small, surface-level cases can sometimes be touched up yourself, but if you're unsure we'd advise against it. We remove the affected paint completely, let the substrate dry properly and repair any wood damage before building the system back up. Repairs done incorrectly often end up costing more in the long run than calling a professional painter straight away.
How long does it take to fix blistering in the paint layer?
That depends a lot on the extent and accessibility of the spot. For a limited, localised case the work is often done within a day or a few days; larger areas take longer. During the free assessment we give a concrete estimate for your situation.
What does it cost to fix blistering in the paint layer?
That varies by situation — the extent, the accessibility and whether painting is also needed all play a role. We give a clear quote after a free, no-obligation assessment, so you know exactly where you stand beforehand.
What happens if I ignore blistering in the paint layer?
Burst blisters leave the substrate unprotected The longer you wait, the bigger the eventual repair — and the cost that comes with it — tends to be.
What's the best time of year to have this addressed?
We prefer to carry out exterior work in dry weather at a moderate temperature, usually from spring to autumn. Repairing acute damage — such as cutting out rotten wood — can however often be done year-round, so the problem doesn't get worse while you wait for better weather.
How do I stop blistering in the paint layer coming back after it's fixed?
We address not just the visible symptom but also the underlying cause — the most common causes are moisture in the wood that cannot escape because of a non-vapor-permeable paint layer, painting onto a damp substrate, or painting in full sun, which causes solvents to evaporate too quickly. Periodic maintenance also helps: touching up small damage in time prevents a small problem growing back into a bigger repair.
What materials and techniques do you use for this?
We work with professional materials and paint systems matched to the surface and the load it faces — not standard DIY-store paint. Where needed we combine that with specialised wood repair systems or primers matched to the specific cause.
Do you offer a guarantee on the repair work?
We always discuss guarantee terms upfront and set them out clearly in the quote, so you know exactly what to expect before we start.
Can you combine this with exterior painting?
Yes, we combine this regularly. If we're already on site for exterior painting, it's often more efficient to include this in the same schedule rather than planning it separately.
Is blistering in the paint layer worse on older or listed buildings?
This comes up more often on older properties, simply because the woodwork and facades have been exposed to the weather for longer and often already carry several layers of paint. On listed-building details we work with extra care to preserve the original profiling and appearance.
How do I spot early signs, before it's visibly bad?
Bumps or blisters under an otherwise intact paint layer
Is a visual inspection enough, or is more investigation needed?
In most cases a thorough visual inspection by a professional painter is enough to determine the extent. If there's doubt about the underlying structure, we look a little deeper, for example by gently testing whether the wood can still bear weight.
Do you also work on commercial buildings and real estate, not just homes?
Yes. We fix blistering in the paint layer for private homes, VvE's and real estate such as commercial buildings and apartment blocks. The approach is similar, though larger properties are often planned in phases.
Can blistering in the paint layer affect the value of my home?
Visible damage to window frames, facades or woodwork can create a negative impression during a sale or valuation and raise questions about deferred maintenance. Addressing it in time avoids that discussion and keeps the property looking well cared for.
Do I need to prepare anything before you come round?
No, that's not necessary. Just make sure the spot is reasonably accessible; we handle everything else, from inspection to execution.
Do you use scaffolding if the spot is high up or hard to reach?
If the situation calls for it, we arrange that through GoedkoopSteigerHuren.nl, part of the same organisation as Painting Company. We combine that into a single request, which saves coordination steps.
How quickly can you come round for an assessment?
We respond to requests quickly and schedule the assessment as soon as possible in consultation with you. Request a free, no-obligation quote and we'll get in touch.
What's the difference between touching up and a full repair?
For limited, superficial blistering on an otherwise sound substrate, local repair and repainting is enough. If the substrate feels damp or the wood underneath is affected, drying and repair is needed first before repainting.
Ready for your next project?
Request a free, no-obligation quote today. We get in touch, think along with you and deliver the best paintwork for your home, VvE or property.